Black Honda 919 – Hornet
I’m a big sucker for a 919. The first bike I ever owned was a Honda 919. It’s easy to ride, plenty fast, and fits me extremely well.
This is my 2005 black 919. It’s fitted with Renthal Low bars and with bar end mirrors. The Renthal bars are the only way to go. They put you in a more aggressive and more stretched out riding position. For me, since I’m a tall rider, this is more comfortable. Basically I feel like I can go all day on this bike in this position and never have any trouble.
For those who don’t think of a 919 as being fast, you’re wrong. I’ve had two CBR100rr’s and a 1098s. Yes, those bikes are much faster but you never use any of it on the road. On the 919 you can tap into more of the potential of this bike on the road. Granted, it’s likely not legal, but it’s just a great ride.
I’ll add a few more mods and plan to build one up in a very custom sort of way. More on that coming.
Yes the 919 is a really under rated bike, Ive been riding since i was 7y/o and had so many bikes ive lost count. My hornet 07 is my favorite ride, plenty of low down get up n go where you want it and its no slouch at higher speeds as well. I regularly ride with a couple of friends with a 999 duc and a zx10 and in the twisties i have no probs at all keeping up and at times even passing them when im feeling in the zone. We even swap bikes sometimes and they love the 919 and swear they will get one someday. Ive done several track days and even the really fast guys are impressed with the way it gets round the track. Sure the suspenders are not the well sorted kind you find on more expencive bikes but even with its limitations its still one quick bike in the twisties with the right rider and i have embarrased more than a few squids on 600 sport bikes (much to their dismay). yes the 919 Hornet is an absolute blast to ride and i think it will remain my favorite bike long into the future. Im now 50 yrs old and love bikes so much i have a small collection including a Triumph 955i daytona , a TT500 i brought new in 1979 , a klr 650, a gn400 , a 2008 zx14 limited edition, and an 1981 gsx1100 wire wheel special of which only about 3 complete and running bikes survive here, and a couple of other bikes as well but the Hornet takes pride of place in my garage and is the bike i most reach for and ride on any given day…… Awesome bike.